At a youth dialogue hosted in Abuja on Tuesday, May 20, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande, made a compelling case for the swift establishment of a national youth development bank, promising that young Nigerians would soon access financing in a way that is “secure, inclusive, and impactful.”

Olawande, speaking at the roundtable organised by Connected Development (CODE), stressed the importance of building platforms where youths can ask critical questions about government policies and be assured of protection from exploitation.

“Even the investment fund we’re talking about, when we sit down, everyone brings their phone — it must be protected,” he said, hinting at digital inclusion and data privacy challenges. “The legal problem we’re facing has been solved. The President is an institution.”

The Minister also drew attention to issues beyond economics, stating that “Nigerian youth are the best in tech, entertainment, education, and agriculture — yet we’re still hungry.”

Speaking frankly about economic hardship, Olawande noted the irony of thriving creativity amid rising food prices, blaming overreliance on imports.

“Let’s use what we produce — that’s how the economy can grow,” he added, reiterating the administration’s commitment to supporting Nigerian-made goods and the Yoka manufacturing scheme.

New Path for Nigerian Talent

Backing these sentiments, Hamzat Lawal, CEO of CODE, challenged government and civil society to deepen support for youth-driven sectors such as tech, fashion, and film.

“Young Nigerians are pioneers, but systemic inequalities continue to stifle our potential,” Lawal said.

He urged the government to back a 100 billion naira youth fund, not solely with cash but also with policy support that attracts partners.

“Let’s build a basket fund. The JAPA syndrome is real because young people don’t see opportunity.”

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Lawal outlined four key demands: harmonised state-level youth policies, regular youth-government dialogues, scaled-up youth financing, and engagement with faith-based youth leaders to promote inclusion across communities.

The dialogue began on a note of mutual respect as Lawal praised Olawande’s accessibility: “Just last week, I requested a visit and he fixed it instantly. Today, he arrived 15 minutes early.”

As Nigeria’s youth population grows, the minister and civil society leaders agree that bold action, not promises, is what the country’s young people need to stay, thrive, and lead.

Banky W is celebrating a major milestone as he bags a Masters degree in Policy Management from Georgetown University, one of the top schools in the world for Public Policy. The singer, actor, and politician shared the news on Instagram, reflecting on his journey over the past few years. While studying full-time, he also served as a Fellow on Capitol Hill and welcomed his second child, Hezekiah Oluwadarasimi Wellington, with his wife, Adesua Etomi-Wellington all while parenting two kids in the U.S. In his heartfelt caption, Banky revealed the emotional and spiritual strength it took to complete the program. You cant pour from an empty cup, he wrote, explaining how stepping back from the spotlight helped him rediscover purpose and resilience. He ended with a powerful message: Its never too late to dream a new dream, or redefine the ending of an existing one. He also joked about possibly pursuing a PhD, saying his wife hopes his next wife will support that decision but for now, let me make some money first. See his posts below    The post Singer, Banky W shares photos from his graduation ceremony from Georgetown University U.S. appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

Whether you aspire to join a fast-moving startup, a global corporation or build a freelance career on international platforms, certain core competencies will distinguish you from other candidates.

From decoding raw data to crafting intuitive digital experiences and ensuring robust online security, these abilities enable you to adapt to constantly evolving work environments and deliver measurable impact.

Below are in-depth skills that employers across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem highly value and that freelancers need to thrive.

ALSO READ: 7 Ways digital skills training is creating job opportunities in Nigeria

1. Data literacy and analytical thinking

Interpreting raw data goes beyond running simple spreadsheets. You should know how to gather information from web analytics, sales records and customer feedback, then clean and transform it for meaningful analysis.

Master tools that visualise trends and performance indicators so you can recommend targeted optimisations in areas such as marketing spend, product development or operational efficiency.

2. Fundamental programming and task automation

Proficiency in a versatile language such as Python allows you to build scripts that automate repetitive processes, from generating reports to scraping market data. Familiarity with JavaScript empowers you to enhance website interactivity and user engagement.

By automating routine tasks you free up time for strategic initiatives and demonstrate technical resourcefulness that both startups and established firms value.

3. Digital marketing strategy and performance measurement

A strong digital marketer combines creative content with data-driven decision making. You need to conduct keyword research for search optimisation, design social-media campaigns across multiple platforms and monitor key metrics such as click-through rates and conversion costs.

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Continuously iterating campaigns based on real-time analytics ensures efficient use of budgets and maximises return on investment.

4. User experience research and interface creation

Designing effective digital products requires empathy and testing. Use tools that help you prototype interfaces quickly and gather user feedback through remote interviews or usability tests.

Incorporate insights about device limitations, connectivity challenges and local preferences to craft interfaces that remain intuitive and responsive across different Nigerian contexts.

RECOMMENDED: 5 digital skills you need to survive in the age of AI

5. Cybersecurity fundamentals and safe computing

Basic security knowledge is a non-negotiable asset. Learn how to implement strong authentication mechanisms, manage user permissions and apply encryption protocols.

Conduct routine security assessments to detect vulnerabilities and follow best practices to protect sensitive data. Demonstrating commitment to digital safety builds trust with employers and clients alike.

6. Cloud services and infrastructure management

Understanding major cloud platforms helps you deploy applications and scale services without heavy upfront investment in hardware. Learn how to configure storage solutions, set up virtual servers and design auto-scaling policies.

Familiarity with containerisation technologies further streamlines development and deployment, enabling flexible and resilient digital services.

7. Remote collaboration and professional communication

Excelling in distributed teams demands mastery of collaboration tools, clear written communication and disciplined time management. Use project-management platforms to define tasks and deadlines explicitly.

Cultivate virtual meeting best practices, deliver concise presentations and maintain availability across relevant time zones. Strong digital etiquette and accountability foster trust and boost team productivity.

By strengthening these core competencies and staying curious about emerging tools and trends, you’ll position yourself as a versatile, in-demand professional ready to seize opportunities in Nigeria’s digital economy.

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